If you aren’t feeling relief after an hour, you’re free to take a second dose.
you’re able to take up to eight doses in 24 hours.
Side effects are generally mild and can include a black tongue, black stool, and constipation.
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
More serious side effects can occur but are rare.
If it doesn’t offer relief in that time, follow the dosing instructions provided on the product packaging.
These side effects are temporary and generally harmless.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Before Taking Pepto-Bismol
Pepto-Bismol should be used for no more than two days.
That makes it a poor choice for people who experience chronic diarrhea, heartburn, or acid reflux.
Drug Interactions
Pepto-Bismol can potentially interact with a wide range of medications.
Children and teens with flu-like symptoms should avoid taking Pepto-Bismol due to the risk of developingReye’s syndrome.
Pepto Kids
Pepto Kids (calcium carbonate) is designed to treatheartburnand upset stomach in children.
It does not contain bismuth subsalicylate, so it poses no risk of Reye’s syndrome.
However, children under 2 years old shouldn’t be given Pepto Kids unless approved by a healthcare provider.
Dosage
Do not take this medication for more than two days.
Liquid
Use the provided dosing cup to take liquid Pepto-Bismol.
(One dose equals one dosing cup filled to the top.)
Never use a kitchen spoon.
Do not exceed eight doses in a 24-hour period.
Chewable Tablets
Take two Pepto-Bismol chewables at a time.
Do not exceed a total of 16 tablets in 24 hours.
Pepto Kids also comes in chewable tablet form.
Caplets
Pepto-Bismol caplets come in several different formulations.
Take only the amount indicated on the label:
Does Pepto-Bismol Work on an Empty Stomach?
Summary
Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea.
Pepto-Bismol may cause side effects like a black tongue or constipation.
These side effects are usually mild.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Label: Pepto-Bismolbismuth subsalicylate kit.
2021 Jul;66(7):2323-2335. doi: 10.1007/s10620-020-06509-7
Pepto Bismol.FAQ.
Servery J, Chang J.Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy.Am Fam Physician.2014;90(8):548-55.
Procter & Gamble.Pepto Bismol Original Liquid [package labeling].
Pepto Bismol.When & how to take Pepto Bismol?
The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company.
